Could Ultherapy be performed on a person's neck if that person has some nodules on the thyroid?

Ultherapy is not performed over the thyroid gland.  However, if you are concerned about new nodules on the thyroid, you may wish to prioritize the thyroid first.  Ulthera can provide very positive results on the neck. Raffy Karamanoukian, Los Angeles

Ultherapy is purposely avoided being performed over the thryroid. Although this precaution is observed, it would be prudent for you to have your physician performing your treatment aware of your condition.

The information provided in Dr. Shelton's answer is for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice.  The information provided should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultations with a qualified health professional who may be familiar with your individual medical needs.

The thyroid is not treated with Ultherapy and the energy does not penetrate that deep and therefore there is no concern about damaging the thyroid. Unless you have a goiters thyroid which fills your whole neck, this is never a concern with Ultherapy.

Ulthera treatments should be safe, as the thyroid is much deeper than the level at which Ulthera penetrates your skin. The ultrasound heat that is delivered with Ultherapy is designed to target specific layers of the fascia and dermis of the skin.  However, it is important that you tell your physician about your thyroid nodules before undergoing any Ulthera treatments to ensure you are still a candidate.

Hi,

  The area of the thyroid is not treated with the Ulthera delivery system.  The areas of the neck above this are treated but you should be safe with the thyroid region as this areas is avoided.

  Be sure to check with your doctors before Ultherapy as you want to make sure that your thyroid doctor and your plastic surgeon are in full agreement with your case treatment.

        Steven M. Lynch, M.D.  Albany, New York

I assume since you know about these nodules, you have undergone a work up and are being followed.  Ultherapy training actually does not recommend treating directly over the thyroid.  The depth of penetration of the ultrasonic energy is not as deep as the thyroid anyway.  Certainly treatment could be undertaken, but don't forget to continue follow up with your thyroid.

Ultherapy works by microfocused ultrasound at the level of the platysma muscle, skin and subcutaneous fat.  The thyroid is much deeper, so it will not be a problem.

The Ulthera (Ultherapy) penetrates 4.5 mm into the skin.  The thyroid is much deeper than that, with a layer of muscle between the skin and thyroid as well.  There is no worry whatsoever.  Dr. Steve Weiner, Panama City Beach, Florida.

Ulthera treatment uses ultrasound to warm the skin and the underlying musculoaponeurotic fascia (Thin layer of muscle and fibrous tissue).

The ultrasound also projects on a screen the image of the tissues that it treats.

The operator is not supposed to treat the area containing the thyroid gland (Minimal musculoaponeurotic layer), although there are rare cases where the thyroid can prolong itself in the areas being treated. Most likely, in this case,if any thyroid tissue gets ultrasound waves, nothing untoward will happen.

Under no circumstances should these statements be considered  specific medical advice. Please make sure you discuss this matter  with your Internist.